The Milan derby craze has not yet passed, and a group of journalists are about to follow in the footsteps of Milan's generals and rush to Germany.

There was a lot of fighting, and Ancelotti had to think about rotating players.

However, away to challenge the Bundesliga hegemon Bayern Munich, Ancelotti's rotation is very cautious.

This is Milan's more embarrassing problem now, both domestic and European can not relax, both sides have reached a critical moment, the league still has the hope of competing for the championship, the Champions League also has it, and the body of a bunch of old guys has become the top priority.

And when the team arrived in Germany and immediately started the game, in another stadium, a very unfortunate news came, Roma was defeated!

At Manchester United's Old Trafford, the frenzied Red Devils bit Roma Wolves fiercely, and the score of 7-1 set a record for the largest score in the knockout round since the Champions League was restructured.

Together with Chelsea and Liverpool, who have also qualified, and Liverpool, who have scored three goals away, the Premier League has basically booked three places in the semi-finals of the Champions League in the 06/07 season, and in the case of La Liga, AC Milan, the representative of Serie A, and Bayern Munich, the representative of the Bundesliga, will compete for the last place in the semi-finals.

Whether or not they ultimately lift the trophy in Athens next month, or even whether they reach the final, Manchester United wrote one of the brightest pages in the club's history at Old Trafford last night.

7 to 1, this score more dreamy than fantasy and more magical than magic brought more than 70,000 Red Devils fans of the Theater of Dreams to the magical realm of the Seven Heavens.

The most disparity in the quarter-finals of the Champions League since 1959 also allowed Manchester United to eliminate Roma 8-3 on aggregate. Qualified for the semi-finals of the Champions League since 2002.

Every touch turned into gold 48 years ago, Real Madrid played an exact score in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, 7-1 was sealed in the history of the Champions League for nearly half a century.

Half a century. That was the length of time United have been in the Europa League, having won two trophies in that 50-year period.

The Guardian chanted after the game: "The golden age of European football is back. It was also the biggest European victory for the great Manchester United club in almost 39 years, and all fans did towards the end of the game was pull out their phones and take in the scores hanging from the electronic scoreboard at Old Trafford. Rome wasn't built in a day, but it took the Red Devils just 90 minutes to destroy it completely.

Magic is a word that has to be repeated many times, as the Daily Telegraph lamented after the game: "On a night like this that only 'magical' can describe, Manchester United's every touch of the ball turned into gold." ”

A total of five Red Devils players scored in the game, and their positions spread across all three lines of the team. Carrick and Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored twice, were both midfielders. Wayne Rooney and Smith were the strikers, while Patrice Evra, who scored the final goal for United, was even a full-back. It was a tragedy that looked like it was triggered by a goal, and Roma have not yet recovered from their disarray. Smith's goal six minutes later sent them completely into the abyss. However, the truth is that the catastrophe has already been traced for a long time.

Smith started the win and Red Devils boss Alex Ferguson refused to talk about the individual after the game, saying it was a team win, but he was the only striker in his team. Smith made an exception. "If you have to talk about someone. You should talk about Smith. I'm sure everyone feels the same way I do, and his passion was infectious to the whole team tonight. ”

The old man fielded the same 4231 formation as Roma in the game, but you can easily see the difference between the two identical formations - in terms of width, speed and penetration. Putting Smith in the role of a lone arrow was a move that made many people feel crazy, and he has endured a long and painful period of recovery since suffering a rare broken foot and dislocated ankle at Anfield last February. He has only started three games since returning from injury, and none of them have come in the league or Champions League. It wasn't just the 17th-minute goal that was emotional, even though it was his first since 19 November 2005.

And Smith's success on the night reflected Ferguson's brilliant strategy, and Smith held his breath and almost disrupted Roma's backfield alone. Wayne Rooney's third goal for Manchester United. Among them, there is also the credit of this hot-blooded striker.

The high-speed rush to destroy the Roman Spalletti will not be figured out until the end, according to the official statistics of the UEFA. His team spent 54 per cent of the time on the ball, but what did United do in those 46 per cent? A qiē lies in a "fast".

Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs continued to play a pivotal role in the game, with the Welshman scoring his hat-trick of assists despite not scoring. In addition to contributing two goals, Ronaldo also has an assist. Smith's goal was a perfect example of United's attacking efficiency throughout the game. And Carrick's first goal was also "fast", almost shooting when he got the ball.

Again, it is impossible not to mention Rooney's goal. The first pass from Cristiano Ronaldo was followed by a swift co-ordination of Smith and Ryan Giggs. Quick transitions, quick tackles, quick passes, quick insertions and quick shots, United's quick routines ended up being a shame for Roma.

With both Manchester United and Chelsea winning, Premier League sides are virtually assured of three places in the last four. If nothing else, the Champions League final will feature Premier League teams for the third consecutive season. In the face of such impressive results, the Premier League is fully qualified to wear the hat of "Europe's No. 1 League" on its head.

Measured only by indicators such as international influence, commercial revenue, and attendance, the Premier League has long surpassed competitors such as La Liga and Serie A. According to Forbes' recent list of football's richest players, Premier League clubs occupy 10 of the top 25 spots, including Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, who are in the top eight.

If there have been doubts about the Premier League's status as Europe's No. 1 league in the past, the focus has tended to be on their relatively poor European results. In particular, in the history of the Champions League, only one Premier League team from 1992 to 2004 has won the Premier League. Before the start of the season. The Premier League is third in the UEFA league rankings behind La Liga and Serie A.

Now, after a comprehensive victory in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, it is a foregone conclusion that they will overtake Serie A in the league rankings at the end of the season. Although La Liga still has the potential to take the top spot by a narrow margin, it is worth mentioning. La Liga's points in this league this season are mainly from the UEFA Cup, and the "gold content" of its top position seems somewhat insufficient. Especially in the Champions League knockout round, Barcelona and Valencia were eliminated by opponents from the Premier League, which also reflected the strength of the Premier League from another side.

The success of the Premier League is based on its "international" approach. The Premier League has attracted a large amount of foreign capital in recent years due to its more transparent financial situation and more efficient profit model. Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea, the three clubs that have played triumphant songs in the Champions League, belong to the "American-funded enterprises" and "Russian-funded enterprises" respectively.

Although these foreign mergers and acquisitions have caused controversy in the UK. But as things stand, the money brought in by the new owner has indeed improved the team's performance. Michael Carrick and Andriy Shevchenko, who played key roles in the two games on Wednesday night, were the new signings that the club brought in at a high price last summer.

In addition to the fact that the sources of capital and the direction of recruitment are becoming more and more "international". Premier League clubs have also taken a global approach when it comes to selecting managers. In the 2003-2004 season, Jose Mourinho and Rafael Benitez won the two major European cups respectively. As a result, they both received offers from Premier League clubs at the end of the season. The reason why Chelsea and Liverpool have been able to achieve good results in the Champions League this season is obviously inseparable from the strategy of these two foreign managers. Compare to them. Spalletti and Flores are clearly lacking in tournament experience. It's no wonder they lost to Manchester United and Chelsea in crucial battles.

As it stands, the Premier League has become one of the most popular leagues for international capital, foreign managers and talented players, and this attraction is on the rise. As for the brilliant achievements of Premier League teams in the Champions League this season, it is possible to open the prelude to a "Premier League era" in European football.

Ferguson, who personally created the "Old Trafford tragedy", said in high spirits after seeing Liverpool advance yesterday: There will be three Premier League teams in the semi-finals, which shows that our league is the best in Europe.

Six or seven years ago, La Liga was the best, but this season the facts show. Neither Barcelona nor Real Madrid reached the heights of their previous years. We never expected to win 7-1, but the quality of our game was so high. It was a fantastic performance, our breakout speed and pace were superb.

Alex Benitez, Ferguson's nemesis, echoed the same sentiment: "Tell us how strong we are across Europe, and that's really important for the Premier League, at this moment, the Premier League is the title of Europe. PSV Eindhoven coach Koeman, who has lost home and away, also believes that the Premier League team is creating a great season, "Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool have all reached the last four of the Champions League, this is a great season for the Premier League team.

It's a testament to how strong the Premier League is at the moment, they have the money, they have the best players and they have the best coaches. ”

Indeed, compared with La Liga and Serie A, the healthy development of the Premier League has made the team continue to increase its financial strength, and the three Premier League teams that entered the top four of the Champions League are all teams that have been acquired by foreign capital. However, this is not as simple as money alone, Portsmouth coach Harry Lena said: "There are many changes in football, the stadium changes, the owners change, the players and the salary change, but one thing remains the same, that is, whoever has more good players will have the upper hand." "The league and clubs are growing and growing, and the Premier League is on the rise.

Describing today's Premier League teams, The Newspaper said they had changed, with a "formidable dynamism" and "a diversity of styles". 'Chelsea are tough and resilient, with a tradition of fierceness and toughness in the Premier League, with a tight squad system; Manchester United is atmospheric and gorgeous, with both an imposing overall attack, as well as delicate local coordination and individual shows with Ronaldo and others; Liverpool are a combination of rigidity and softness, and Benitez's tactical organisation is unique. Of course, the irony of the Premier League is that none of the managers of these three teams are English.

What is the standard of League One?

Although many people have also put forward the claim that "the Premier League is the best of Europe", former England international and European Sport columnist Parker disagrees. "The question of 'first' is also a matter of opinion, and different understandings will produce different answers. In my opinion, the 'First League' is the one that can produce more and better homegrown players. In this way, the Premier League will really improve in terms of level, and it can compete with La Liga and truly become the 'top European football league', but it is not yet. ”

He said: "Even if the Premier League wins three Champions League places, it is not enough to prove that the Premier League is the best in European football and indeed world football. The Premier League's established powerhouses, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, have long dominated the Premier League. Although Arsenal's performance this season has not been very eye-catching. Even so, we don't think that the championship will go to another team, these four teams are the first team. ”

Parker analyzed: "The second tier is the middle team. Including Newcastle, Bolton, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and others, they are aiming for qualification for the UEFA Cup, but they often fail to face the four strong teams in front of them. The rest is the third grade. These teams are threatened with relegation. It's easy to predict who will finish in the top eight next season. Who will enter the relegation circle. This is not so evident in any other league in Europe. ”

Looking at Serie A first, Inter Milan has a strong lead this season, but in the absence of Juventus this season, Lazio, Fiorentina, and AC Milan have to start from negative points at the beginning of the season, and these teams have been strong contenders for the title in the past. La Liga is more complicated. The competition for the top spot is particularly fierce, with the top five clubs likely to win the trophy. Although there are a significant number of foreign players in the Premier League teams, the strength of the Premier League has improved. But in my opinion, La Liga is still the most technical league in Europe. The pace of the game is also tight.

In terms of technical level, Serie A is definitely of a very high standard, but the pace of the game is a little sluggish. In contrast, the Premier League is fast but lacks technical content. In the Premier League, most of the so-called football skills come from foreign players brought in by clubs, but this does not help the English national team in any way. It is true that young players from Spain and Italy can help the team win the title, but the presence of these foreign players has also created obstacles for the improvement of English players, especially young players.

Why did Italy and West Germany sink en masse?

As the top football league in Europe, there are two key reasons for the emergence of three Premier League teams in the top four, in addition to the healthy development of the Premier League itself. Other giants in Europe are in a period of low tide adjustment, which also reflects the table of the Premier League. For example, Serie A has experienced a scandal, and the entire league is a season with a major injury, and it may take two or three years to recover its dominance. Except for Inter Milan and AC Milan, as well as the Bianconeri who are working hard in Serie B, the overall strength of other teams in Europe is slightly lacking, and it is not easy for Roma to get to where it is today.

In La Liga, Barcelona and Real Madrid have both had internal problems with different Cheng dù. Relatively speaking, Real Madrid's problems are more prominent, and no one has been able to solve the sequelae caused by the club's one-sided pursuit of superstars over the years, whether it is Capello or other coaches. Therefore, it is imperative for Real Madrid to renew its generation, and it will need to be greatly adjusted in the next year or two, and it will take a long time to recover. I don't know if the initialling of Schuster or whoever will be able to change that.

After Barcelona won the championship last year, its strength has not increased this season, and two main players, Messi and Eto'o, have been injured, which has affected the Champions League and the table in La Liga. After winning the double last season, Barcelona's overall motivation and desire to win have decreased, so they did not have the upper hand against the two Premier League teams, and were suppressed by Chelsea in the group stage and eliminated by Liverpool in the knockout round. In particular, Xiao Luo's performance also directly affected Barcelona's overall performance. Perhaps the painful lesson of this season will make Barcelona learn from the pain.

After Ballack's departure, Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are still in a period of transition, and how to find a leader on the pitch and mentally is a big problem for the team, as well as the rotation of coaches. Despite this, Hornes is proud of the team's tremendous efforts in European competition despite the lack of financial support. "Bayern Munich has not been able to find a replacement since Ballack left this season. Regardless of the kind of European competition Bayern play in next season, they will definitely bring in new players in the transfer market to strengthen their strength. ”

There is only one seedling in Serie A that has not yet qualified, and all the media are paying attention to the emergence of the last place.

What AC Milan need most now is confidence and passion to make up for their squad shortcomings. With only veteran Inzaghi and an in-form Jonker in front of them, and a lack of fitness due to age, AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen on last weekend's local derby to restore morale and form, and they must treat the Allianz Stadium as if it were the San Siro. Gilardino also cheered on his teammates: "Hopefully you can take me to the next round." ”

Now AC Milan fans are still concerned that Carlo Ancelotti will stick to the Christmas tree formation and play Inzaghi as a lone striker instead of Jonker, because not only is this not Inzaghi's strong point, but his fitness is also questionable. But if Jonk is allowed to partner with him up front, AC Milan's midfield may lack depth again, because although Andrea Pirlo's form has picked up, Gattuso was injured in the league last weekend, and Van Bommel can return for this game, Bayern's midfield has been strengthened.

Seeing the rotation again at a critical moment made fans very worried, but everyone understands that this is also a helpless move by Ancelotti.

At the same time, will AC Milan's defence be able to withstand Bayern's onslaught while pressing to support the midfield? Pizarro, Mackay and Podolski are all full of momentum, but will it be Maldini or Kaladze who will partner Nesta in central defence? Will the two full-backs, Otto and Jankulovski, be a surprise player?

The good news for AC Milan is that Bayern's main defender Sagnol is out due to injury, and Kahn may not be in better form than Rensing. So, who is Ancelotti's "trump card"? Is it the young Kaka and Gourcuff, or the veterans like Ambrosini and Serginho?

It seems that Ancelotti is determined to add the hot Jonker to the rotation, the media can't understand it, the experts can't understand it, and the fans are even more confused.

In everyone's opinion, it has a lot to do with Jonker's appearance, and now the most dangerous players in the Milan team can only sit on the bench, which is undoubtedly the best news for Bayern.

And more crucially, if AC Milan can't score first, will they become conservative after scoring and let the game go into a half-time quagmire, only thinking about using defense to advance to the semi-finals?

A team without offense is always dangerous, and it is very important whether Jonk is present or not, and when he will play, which is also a point to watch!

Of course, AC Milan still has a lot to show off. Although AC Milan's away results in the Champions League this season have been disappointing, with only three wins, six draws and six defeats in Germany's all-time record, Bayern have won only once in their first four home games against AC Milan. And although Bayern has been unbeaten in 11 home games in the Champions League, it was the Serie A team Juventus that defeated Bayern away from home, Bayern played the Italian team at home with a record of 3 wins, 4 draws and 3 losses, and Bayern coach Heathfield was afraid to lead the team to play the Italian team at home, because his historical record was 3 wins and 6 losses.

It is also worth mentioning that the referee of this match is Gonzalez from Spain, who beat Chelsea at home in the Champions League he presided over two years ago, while AC Milan were beaten by Liverpool in the Champions League final he officiated.

Gonzalez has been in charge of the Champions League four times this season, with Arsenal and Manchester United losing on the road, AC Milan also drawing away and Lyon being beaten at home to Roma.

The referee seems to have a habit of favoring the home team, and such an unfavorable situation is more or less the result of Ancelotti's own making, will the game really play as everyone expected? (To be continued......)